OIC rejects Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, backs Somalia’s unity

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia — The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Saturday held an emergency meeting to discuss Israel’s decision to recognise what it called the independent state of Somaliland, rejecting the move as a violation of international law and a threat to regional stability.

The 22nd extraordinary session, convened at the OIC headquarters in Jeddah and attended by foreign ministers, said Israel’s recognition undermined Somalia’s unity, sovereignty and internationally recognised borders, and posed risks to security in the Horn of Africa.

Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Pakistan described Israel’s move as illegal and dangerous for regional stability, calling it a direct attack on Somalia’s sovereignty.

Pakistan said the decision amounted to a “political assault” on international norms, while Saudi Arabia urged Islamic countries to unite in opposing the recognition and to counter any actions that could weaken Somalia’s territorial integrity.

The meeting adopted resolutions condemning Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, reaffirming full support for Somalia’s unity and sovereignty, and reiterating that lasting peace in the Middle East depends on Israel’s withdrawal from Palestinian territories, the OIC said.

GAROWE ONLINE